How to make the most of the space in your city apartment

Planning a new home? Read this

Is space maximisation on your mind? Mumbai based home specialist Livspace show us city dwellers clever yet easy methods to declutter and organise compact living spaces.

#Tip 1: Out with the useless, in with the functional

Decluttering should be your first approach to ‘increase’ the space in your apartment. If you haven’t used it in six months, chances are you never will. Barring your seasonal wear or decor and essentials, let it all go. And, although it may sound counter intuitive, but minimise storage options to avoid collecting clutter in the first place. If this is a no-go, then plan your storage well in advance. Draw a list of things that you need to store and you may keep adding to it for weeks. Once you have it, half the battle is won.

#Tip 2: Say yes to double duty furniture!

When space is a constraint, that’s where multi-purpose furniture comes handy. Ottomans that double up as coffee tables, sofa-cum-beds, coffee tables with shelves, beds with storage, even ladder turned into a display unit—smart living options are endless.

#Tip 3: Keep your storage areas your ‘clean’ little secret

For those who do not wish to display their priced alcohol bottles, a concealed bar unit cum cupboard when closed can be an ideal storage idea. Also, custom-built units like seating nooks with storage is great for corners and foyers. Cushion the seat and store things you don’t have to access every day in the cabinets underneath.

#Tip 4: Create special zones for your important and inessential needs

A functional foyer: Make the entryway at your home a functional zone, by placing a shoe-rack with seating. So, your home stays neat and dirty shoes are left hidden inside the cabinet.

Crockery unit/ sideboard: One of the most important aspects of a dining room is a crockery unit. If you have a mix of glass and wooden shutters, the latter can double up as a storage for linen and items that might not be used everyday.

Side tables: One of the most underrated pieces of furniture is the bedside table that can be used to store everyday items. They recommend creating a special zone for your night-time essentials with matching bedside tables for convenience and style.

Kitchen cabinets: While there should be separate zones for storing perishables and monthly supplies, it is also important to divide items and utensils that you use regularly and those used infrequently. Experts suggest storing commonly used items in wall cabinets (spices, pulses and grains, etc) and the top most drawers (cutlery) in the below-the-countertop cabinets. Reserve bottom-most drawers or shelves for the things you require the least.